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Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections A Meaningful Musical Experience By Manal Layachi and Marco Alavrez Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Rebecca Hayden The Breakfast Club is North’s own select string ensemble, composed of sophomores, juniors and seniors. Throughout the year, we play at the Winter and Spring concerts, the VSCHSD offices, the district’s tenure dinner, and more. Lead by Mrs. Rebecca Hayden, we get together twice a week at 7am to continue to improve as a group. We work hard and strive toward our goal of playing well as a group. At the end of the day, we play for fun and for others to enjoy! On Friday, December 9th, the Breakfast Club, North’s string ensemble, travelled to PS266Q in Queens to perform holiday songs for students with disabilities. Teachers and aids told us how excited they were to see us perform. They said students would always ask them “When is the Breakfast Club coming to perform for us again?!” These kids look forward to our program as it is the only ‘musical program’ they have a change to enjoy through the school year. After the we got settled at the school, they performed songs on stage. To conclude the concert, Jingle Bells was played while walking around the auditorium. Many teachers and students wore festive, holiday clothes. The students were overfilled with joy, sang along, and shook little maraca eggs to the music. I remember seeing this boy give us a heart and it filled me with pride and joy. After the concert, we taught the students how to play our instruments. It was fun and a wonderful way to interact with and teach the students about our instruments, especially exciting for the ones who have never gotten to try. For our social event, the students wrote down how music makes them feel. This was a heartwarming and interesting experience that was devoted to entertaining and giving the students an opportunity to embrace musical talents they never thought they had. After this event, I felt proud of the Breakfast Club for helping the kids and nicely interacting with them. It was an event that I will never forget and cannot wait to do next year! BACK TO TOP

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 About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Marcus Harris This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left.

Back to Artwork Art Guild Back to Sections Art Guild- Madisen Dubose Madisen Dubose November 6, 2023 Digital Art Volume 4 Issue 1

Back to Articles News Back to Sections Day of Silence 2022 By Eva Grace Martinez Volume 2 Issue 6 April 14, 2022 Image provided by GLSEN Hi everyone! My name is Eva Martinez, and while I am an editor here at NORTH STAR, I am also president of Valley Stream North’s LBGT+ affinity group: The Alliance. The primary goal of The Alliance is to make North a safer space for all students by creating a safe space for its LGBT+ students. Although we have many events throughout the year, such as the participation in the Social Justice Summit, in my opinion, no event is more impactful than the Day of Silence (DOS). Started by a group of students at the University of Virginia in 1996, the Day of Silence has grown into a national student lead movement in high schools and colleges all across America. Organized by GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, the DOS is a day for allyship and represents the silencing power of homophobia. This year the day took on extra meaning for North’s Alliance, as many also felt that their silence was an act of protest against Florida’s “Parental Rights in Education Bill,” a.k.a. the “Don’t Say Gay” Bill. From a personal standpoint, it is inspiring to see an increase in students participating in the DOS; however, it is still an incredible challenge. During the DOS, all participating members were instructed to refrain from: talking, texting, using social media, miming, or any other method of non-verbal communication. If any of our readers know me in person, they also likely know one other thing about me: I do not ever stop talking. With the added limitation of not being able to communicate non-verbally, I knew I was in for a rough one this year. My primary feeling throughout the day was frustration; being unable to communicate in any way made a large portion of my daily tasks incredibly difficult, and I found myself left with questions in class that I simply couldn’t ask for clarification on. Additionally, several students kindly asked why I was not speaking. However, all I could do was show them my card, which simply says "How can you help end the silence?” Also, to the person I bumped into in the hallway, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude; I just wasn’t allowed to apologize verbally. Yet, my frustrations represented the true point of the DOS. Homophobia, and its impacts, whether socially or legislatively, have a significantly negative effect on LGBT+ students. When those students feel afraid, they may find themselves excluded from the ease of interaction enjoyed by others. Overall, the DOS is a challenging but meaningful event. I encourage those who have any further questions to stop by our next Alliance meeting after the break: Monday, April 25th, room 309. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Sports Back to Sections The Postponement of the 2020 Olympics By Rayan Bhatti Volume 1 Issue 3 December 16, 2020 Image provided by Getty Images As expected, along with many other significant sporting events, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has been cancelled for the duration of this year. It was cancelled earlier this year, at the end of March, the first time - outside of wartime - in all of Olympics history that the event was postponed. The only other times the event was cancelled was during the times of World War I & World War II. Thomas Bach, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), believes that the Olympic Games now represent a “light at the end of this tunnel”, as the IOC was able to salvage the event and set a new date for it: July 23, 2021, running until August 8, 2021. As a result, the Paralympic Games has also shifted dates, now planned for August 24 until September 5, 2021. Andrew Parsons, president of the International Paralympic Committee states, “The new dates provide certainty for the athletes, reassurance for the stakeholders and something to look forward to for the whole world.” His last statement is especially important considering the circumstances that surround us; it is imperative that there is an event occurring in this new world that could divert our attention from the pandemic and allow us to enjoy life and sports once again. In a statement sent on March 24, the IOC states, “The leaders agreed that the Olympic Games in Tokyo could stand as a beacon of hope to the world during these troubled times and that the Olympic flame could become the light at the end of the tunnel in which the world finds itself at present. Therefore, it was agreed that the Olympic flame will stay in Japan." Hopefully, the newly scheduled 2021 Olympics will bring joy to those who view and those who compete, and we can once again return to a less restricted time in our lives. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Human Meaning of Life - Reflection By Shinedip Kundlas Volume 3 Issue 2 December 23, 2022 Image provided by Irina Koryagina I had the absolute privilege to read Viktor Frankl’s memoir Man’s Search for Meaning .  Through his experiences in the Holocaust and concentration camps, there is validity and appropriateness to Viktor Frankl's assertion that man can find meaning in all life experiences. Life's meaning gives structure and purpose to a person's existence since definition gives their lives a sense of purpose. The fact remains that humans are the only organisms able to put their lives in perspective and find meaning and validity in them. We are wired to want meaning and purpose in life, and it is an inherent part of our nature and temperament.   The meaning of life differs from person to person, day to day, and hour to hour. Life's meaning does not depend on what it means in general, but on what it means to a person at the time. Frankl connects this to a chess competition, unless one has a particular situation in a game and an opponent with a specific personality, there is no best or even good move. In the same way, human existence follows this principle. An individual should not search for a conceptual meaning of the existence of life. From this section of the memoir, I learned that everyone has their particular “vocation”- a mission in their life to carry out. As a result, every person's task is as unique as their chance to carry it out. Frankl emphasizes that throughout life, each situation presents humans with a challenge that must be overcome, which may reverse the question of meaning. I learned from Frankl that life’s meaning is constantly changing, but it never desists to be. Logotherapy (a concept Frankl explores) consists of discovering it through three different means: our actions; and our experiences and encounters. The fact that we are human means that we are always directed toward something, or someone, other than ourselves-whether we are seeking meaning or encountering another human being. A person becomes more human when they forget themselves, when they devote themselves to a cause or a person they love and actualize themself. Frankl writes that there is no such thing as self-actualization since the more one strives for it, the more one will miss it. It is only through self-transcendence that self-actualization is possible. By self-transcendence and self-actualization, we can discover the world and the meaning of life. Although Frankl mentions that the meaning of life changes, it never halts- catastrophes happen, natural disasters happen, and events happen, but it is part of human nature to move on. By moving on, one discovers how to experience something in this world, which brings me to the next significant quote. A central theme in the memoir is love - Frankl heavily emphasizes the power of love. For instance, love is shown when sick patients are being transported to rest camps. Frankl was on the list not to be sent to the rest camp due to his status as a doctor, however, there were speculations that the "rest camp" was a gas chamber. Frankl had the option of removing his name from the list, but he instead chose to stay with his loved ones, saying that he had to learn to let fate take its course. According to Frankl, one can fully understand a person only by loving him or her, since loving someone can enable one to see the potential in them. The act of helping someone find a vocation and meaning also helps one find one's own purpose in life. Throughout his life, Frankl taught that people—even those who have been suffering enormously—can, and must, find meaning in their lives. His writing is proof of how words can alter the perspective of an individual. Frankl concludes that there is no general meaning to life. Humans have different vocations, purposes, and views. However, no matter how different we are, we are all humans with different meanings of life.  “After all, man is that being who invented the gas chambers of Auschwitz; however, he is also that being who entered those gas chambers upright, with the Lord's Prayer or the Shema Yisrael on his lips.” - Viktor Frankl BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Editorial Back to Sections The Congo Crisis Leah Ally Volume 4 Issue 2 January 16, 2024 Image provided by The Hilltop The Democratic Republic of Congo, often referred to as the Congo, has been plagued by complex challenges for decades. This vast Central African nation, with its abundant natural resources and diverse population, has experienced political instability, armed conflict, economic challenges, and humanitarian crises, not to mention the silent genocide in progress. Understanding the Congo situation requires knowing its historical context, examining the root causes of the ongoing crisis, and exploring potential solutions. The Congo's troubles can be traced back to its colonial past. Under Belgian rule, the country suffered from exploitation and brutal treatment, with the extraction of rubber and other resources leading to the deaths of millions of Congolese. Independence in 1960 brought hope for a brighter future, but it was short-lived. Political instability, corruption, and power struggles soon took over the nation, leading to a series of dictatorships. One of the most significant events in the Congo's recent history was the Rwandan genocide in 1994. The mass killings in neighboring Rwanda triggered a wave of refugees fleeing into Congo, fueling existing tensions and sparking a series of conflicts. The First Congo War (1996-1997) and the Second Congo War (1998-2003) involved multiple armed groups and neighboring countries, resulting in the deaths of millions of people and the displacement of millions more. The aftermath of these conflicts has left Congo in a state of constant crisis. Armed groups, both domestic and foreign, continue to operate in various parts of the country, encouraging violence and instability. These groups often exploit the Congo's vast mineral wealth, particularly gold, diamonds, and coltan, to finance their activities. The illegal trade of these resources has fueled conflict and caused a cycle of violence. The humanitarian situation in the Congo is dire. Millions of people have been displaced from their homes, either because of armed conflict or due to ongoing insecurity. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) face numerous challenges, including limited access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water. The United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo, known as MONUSCO, has been deployed to protect civilians and support the government, but its effectiveness has been limited. Addressing the Congo situation requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes of the crisis. First and foremost, there is an obvious need for political stability and good governance. The Congolese government would need to prioritize the rule of law, fight corruption, and ensure the fair and transparent management of natural resources. This would help build trust among the population and create an environment for economic development to thrive. Economic reforms are also critically needed. The Congo's vast natural resources have the potential to drive economic growth and lift people out of poverty. However, the exploitation of these resources are often not regulated and managed in a way that benefits the Congolese people. Multinational corporations are very often not held accountable for their actions and ensure that their business practices do not contribute to the crisis. Investing in education and healthcare is another key aspect of resolving the Congo situation. Access to quality education and healthcare services is essential for the development of human capital and the empowerment of the Congolese population. This would improve the people's overall well-being and contribute to long-term stability and economic growth. Furthermore, efforts to address the ongoing conflict and disarm armed groups would need to be intensified. This would require a combination of military action, targeted sanctions, and diplomatic negotiations. Regional cooperation is crucial, as neighboring countries have a common interest in the stability of the Congo. The international community, including the United Nations and organizations such as the African Union, would need to provide support and resources to help these efforts. Additionally, addressing the Congo situation requires a focus on justice and accountability. The perpetrators of human rights abuses, including those responsible for sexual violence and war crimes, must be held accountable for their actions. Establishing a credible and impartial justice system is needed for ensuring that those responsible are brought to justice. Transitional justice mechanisms, such as truth commissions and reparations programs, can also play a crucial role in healing the wounds of the past and promoting peace among different ethnic and social groups in the Congo. In the Congo exists a complex and multifaceted crisis that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. Political stability, economic reforms, investment in education and healthcare, and efforts to address the ongoing conflict are all crucial components of resolving the crisis. Congo is often overlooked and dismissed, yet the Congolese people have suffered for far too long and it is time for changes to be made. It is imperative that international countries come together to support them in their quest for peace, stability, and prosperity. Sources: Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo | Global Conflict Tracker ( cfr.org ) DR Congo: An unprecedented crisis goes ignored | NRC Milestones: 1961–1968 - Office of the Historian ( state.gov ) BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Art & Culture Back to Sections A Year Around the World in Four Fairs By Kashmiraa Pandit Volume 1 Issue 8 June 8, 2021 Original photos by Kashmiraa Pandit A bracelet for clean water, an origami Ox, a precious set of bangles, and a rose syrup. What could these four different objects have in common? Though initially a mere amalgamation of independent items, each present immense value in the context of a cultural celebration. As we travel through this past year to discover their relationship, please allow me to share the significance of each. The Beaded Bracelet: November, Nairobi, Kenya Earlier this year, The Culture Society held our first virtual school-wide event featuring our first national guest speaker, Ms. Christina, of the Georgia-based organization Just One Africa . A nonprofit which works directly with local Kenyan leaders, Just One Africa helps provide water filters to the local communities. Each filter distribution brings the people together, as they learn about its use, the process of water filtration and the importance in regard to greater health. In effect, many children, often young girls, who would spend hours retrieving water from contaminated water sources, could now study in schools built by partner organizations of Just One Africa . This past November, the Culture Society had the chance to partner with Just One Africa ’s member, Ms. Christina, to learn about how we could help. Through hosting a Beads-for-Water fundraiser, in which participants crafted bracelets made from recycled paper beads - each hand made by the Maasai women - the funds raised contributed to the new water filters. More importantly, we each learned the simplicity of kindness and making a difference to foster unity in diversity across myriad communities. On a personal note, having the chance to bring JOA to North and work with them to help children, both within North and abroad, realize their potential has proven among one of the many impactful, heartwarming, and fulfilling experiences offered by The Culture Society since its inception. [Please feel free to see JOA’s latest updates from Georgia and Kenya at: @justoneafrica on Instagram, and Facebook.] The Origami Ox: January, Shanghai, China As icy January winds blew outside our windows, the students of The Culture Society kindled the flame of curiosity as our presenters shared the symbolic meanings of Chinese New Year traditions, from the significance of the ancient Chinese zodiac to red envelopes (for luck and money), the historic lion dance, and bursts of firecrackers. As our presenters explained, the lion dance originated in the Tang Dynasty and continues to represent prosperity for the New Year. Following the guidance of our presenters, we each had the chance to create traditional Chinese lanterns and the origami Ox, symbolic of the Chinese zodiac this year. From our presenters, it was also interesting to learn the origins of the common phrases used today. A Blossom and a Bangle: March, Punjab, India With the start of spring blossoms, one student shared a presentation about Indian weddings, explaining the series of vibrant traditional events, including the jovial Sangeet ceremony celebrating the union of the two families, a memorable Mehndi or Shringaar night filled with henna for the bride, and the importance of prayer to begin the week of wedding ceremonies. Among these events, the bangles given to the bride, known as “Chooda”, serve as a memento from her parents, siblings, cousins, and family. Additionally, the color of the bangles varies throughout each state of India to represent different qualities, such as red in Punjab to symbolize vigor or green in Maharashtra for creativity. As our presenter described and displayed through personal photos and videos, the family, friends, relatives, and guests all donned in colorful attire, enjoy the week of wedding ceremonies as they celebrate the familial union. A Rose Syrup: May, Jakarta, Indonesia As the year came to a close, we had the chance to attend a presentation about Eid and Ramadan, learning of its origins, practices, and vast cuisine. The presenters explained the various routines observed during the period, from morning and evening processes to begin and break each daily fast. Among the traditional dishes, a drink made primarily from rose syrup is often used to break the fast with others during each evening, as the syrup is known for its qualities in reducing dehydration and fatigue to increase energy. Finally, our group learned of the various pilgrimages made in Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Over this past year, the Culture Society grew to host a plethora of events, with each of the four focusing on a new culture, complete with presentations by speakers focused on ethnic traditions, cuisines, and handmade creations. From the Kenyan Water Crisis, to the Chinese New Year, Sikh weddings, and Eid and Ramadan practices, we had the chance to learn and experience the rich vibrancy of each nationality’s unique celebration. As each presentation progressed, interwoven similarities between nationalities became clearer. Bearing much resemblance to the practice of bestowing red envelopes during the Chinese New Year and the blessings of gift ceremonies in Indian weddings, children are given packets and presents on Eid in a manner similar to that of Christmas, for each ethnicity presented their own form of gift-giving, in effect further fostering the intertwined similarities in nature amongst various cultures. Most of all, we learned that although stemming from various regions spanned across the world, through each of the four items from each of the four fairs, a common theme of love for family, friends, and life weaved through each, bringing people together in the same way we had come together for the joy of exploring a new culture. In the end, through each of the four fairs, we enjoyed and explored the rich traditions, ancient origins, and vivid diversity of every community. BACK TO TOP

Back to Articles Entertainment & Media Back to Sections VSN Drama’s Production of The Addams Family By Lia Frederique Volume 3 Issue 3 February 24, 2023 Image provided by Vanity Fair With the second semester underway, Valley Stream North’s Drama Club has begun preparing their production of The Addams Family musical. The release of Netflix’s Wednesday brought attention to the Drama Club and influenced the decision of the VSN Spring musical. The new directors, Kyra Lamberti and Anya Hixon, are looking forward to their first musical in a unique fashion. Specifically, the directors are implementing dynamic choreography, engaging dialogue, and nuanced crowd-interaction to create an ambient environment for the seniors’ last show. Additionally, new props will be employ, underscoring a captivating production. While casting, the directors carefully chose the correct actors for roles which best suited their vocal range and acting ability. In terms of leads, Alain Deen and Marco Alvarez are dually cast as Gomez. Gianna Perlaza will play Morticia, with supporting roles such as Quinn O’Connor as Wednesday, Augustine Magapan as Lucas Beineke, and Rachel Ezeadichie and Isabella Mascetti dually cast as Uncle Fester. The Addams Family is the first musical since Once On This Island held here at North. In contrast to the last musical , The Addams Family presents a more macabre, ghastly vibe. Buy tickets for the show being performed here at North on March 31st and April 1st. The tickets are available on MySchoolBucks from opening night to the final performance. BACK TO TOP